Australian MP Helen Haines has lost both of her legs following a suspected ‘targeted’ attack.
In an update from her husband, Phil Haines, it was confirmed that surgeons were unable to save Helen’s right leg.
The 65-year-old had to have her left leg amputated in the immediate aftermath of the incident, in which she was hit by a white Toyota Land Cruiser outside her office on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, northeast of Melbourne, at 3.35pm Monday.
Speaking on Thursday at 5pm local time, Mr Haines told reporters: ‘What took place on Monday was a horrendous incident and it’s caused Helen significant injuries.
‘As a result of that, Helen’s left leg was amputated on Monday.
‘We had been hoping that her right leg would be saved, but as of this morning, the surgeons had to also remove her right leg.’
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Suspect Brendan Nugen, 43, allegedly exited the vehicle and was arrested at the scene after being tackled by bystanders.
He has now been charged.
Nugent’s father, Rod Nugent, and Rod’s partner, Christine Cunningham, said in a statement yesterday: ‘Helen has been our friend for more than 20 years and what happened to her yesterday is devastating and unfathomable.
‘All of our love and all of our thoughts are with Helen and her family and friends.
‘We would like to sincerely thank members of the local community and police who came to Helen’s aid yesterday after the shocking and horrific crime. We will be assisting Victoria Police in any way we can.’
Police found a knife inside the Toyota, the force said. The motive, if any, remains unclear.
Meanwhile, barber Ricky Jefferies recalled how he heard a ‘loud bang’ outside his shop when the incident occurred.
He sprinted out of the building to detain the suspect, reportedly grabbing a knife from the alleged attacker’s pocket as he pulled him out of the car.
‘It was crazy, I just ran out the front to see what was happening,’ he told reporters on Tuesday.
‘He did have a knife,’ Jefferies continued. ‘He didn’t pull it out. I just wasn’t comfortable with his movements, and so I basically just took it out of his pocket and threw it away.’
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